The Better Business Bureau recently issued an alert nationwide about ghost tapping, a new type of fraud that makes use of the facility provided by contactless payment methods, including tap-in credit cards or tap-in mobile wallet apps.
Using wireless technology, the criminals tap money from their victims without coming in physical contact or being detected almost on the spot. Most of the time criminals take away small amounts to escape detection at first allowing them to later loot the victims with larger sums.
How Ghost Tapping Works
Ghost tapping capitalizes on the speed and ease of contactless payments most scams are committed in crowded public areas like marketplaces, bus stations and events where scammers can easily scan cards or wallets. Tactics include bumping the victim to accidentally trigger a payment, setting up fake booths at festivals and collecting small donations charging much bigger or rushing through a transaction so the victim never checks the amount. All of these make it difficult for the user to hold the scammer accountable until much larger losses have occurred.
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Actual Accounts Shared on the BBB Scam Tracker
The BBB Scam Tracker noted several incidents of ghost tapping in one account described a scammer impersonating a fundraiser, collecting payments by tap-to-pay and charging hundreds of dollars without consent from the victim. Another victim in Missouri lost $100 after somehow interacting with a card reader used by a fraudster. These examples show just how easily unsuspecting consumers are targeted while supposedly using secure payment methods.
Why Contactless Payments Are Vulnerable
Millions of Americans tend to pay tap and go for convenience, hygiene and speed. The technology itself is relatively secure with the wireless characteristic puts some consideration into a vulnerability. These involve small transactions often unnoticed by their visibility and a user disposition to trust their known device or a crowded public environment. This shows that even the latest payment systems that advertise security and efficiency can be opportunistically exploited by criminals.
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How to Protect Yourself
The BBB recommends precautions for contactless consumers. In cases of victimization, the bank or card issuer must be informed right away, and the victim should freeze or cancel compromised cards and report incidents to the BBB Scam Tracker.
St. Louis CEO Michelle L. Corey underscored the need for vigilance by reviewing account statements being cautious amid crowds and avoiding vendors they cannot trust. Ghost tapping can befall anyone but remaining vigilant and reporting immediately could significantly minimize the risk of losses.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify transactions and report suspicious activity to your bank or relevant authorities.
